Hull UK City Of Culture 2017 Announces New Details of Seasons 2 and 3 of Year-Long Cultural Program

Hull UK City of Culture 2017 today unveiled details about seasons two and three of its year-long cultural programme with 42 new commissions and world premieres, 24 festivals and 13 new exhibitions amongst hundreds of events and activities taking place from April to the end of September 2017.

Hull's New Theatre re-opens with an exhilarating evening of classic and modern dance presented by The Royal Ballet. Specially curated by the company's Hull-born Director, Kevin O'Hare, Opening The New brings together artists from Hull with a selection of Royal Ballet principals and soloists. Joining The Royal Ballet on stage will be some of the exciting dance talent emerging in the city today, as well as Hull's own Xander Parish, soloist with The Mariinksy Ballet and Joseph Caley, principal with Birmingham Royal Ballet.

The two seasons, Roots & Routes (April to June) and Freedom (July to September), continue Hull 2017's commitment to inspiring and entertaining residents and visitors alike, as well as asking questions and raising debate. From art to music, from theatre to film, and dance to family friendly activities, there is something for people of all tastes and ages, with more reason than ever to visit Hull.

The aim is to build on the success of opening season Made in Hull, which since January has drawn hundreds of thousands of people, including to the opening event, the Look Up public art installations Blade and The City Speaks, and successful exhibitions at Ferens Art Gallery, Brynmor Jones Library at the University of Hull and the newly opened Humber Street Gallery.

Spring and summer bring 24 festivals, from the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Freedom festival and Humber Street Sesh to Radio 1's Big Weekend, and Hull Jazz Festival to Tidal Waves. Fifty years after the start of decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, Pride in Hull stages the first ever UK Pride, kicking off week-long LGBT 50 celebrations in July.

The major partnership with BBC continues, including the Uproot festival in April and Contains Strong Language, a major new national spoken word and poetry festival, launching on National Poetry Day in September.

Martin Green, Director Hull 2017 said: "The response to our opening season Made in Hull has exceeded all our expectations and as we go into seasons two and three, we want people to continue to be excited, whether they live here or are visiting. With our wonderful partners there's a terrific line-up over the next six months. We've a summer of festivals and a host of new commissions by national and International Artists that cement UK City of Culture as the nation's cultural quadrennial. Get planning, it's the perfect time to visit this great city."

Councillor Stephen Brady, Leader of Hull City Council, said: "With season one almost completed, the signs are that Hull is going to be one of the most successful cities of culture there has ever been. The seasons two and three events, revealed today, show a world-class programme that will continue to engage, excite and enthral local residents and visitors throughout spring and summer. Combined with the transformation of the city centre and some of our most important cultural venues, Hull's tenure as UK City of Culture is creating a surge of positivity, pride and celebration. We are now being talked about for all the right reasons and we've never been more proud to say 'Welcome to Hull'."

Kevin O'Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, said: "I am immensely proud of my roots in Hull, and what has been achieved so far in Hull's year as UK City of Culture. For me this opportunity to return to my home city, for the company to take to the stage in the magnificent setting of Hull's refurbished New Theatre and to create new links with the young talent of Hull is unique and special for all of us."

For full listings of the upcoming seasons, visit www.hull2017.co.uk.